I loved superheroes since my childhood because they were cool.
I was the biggest fan of Flame King — he saved everyone and protected justice.
I always wanted to become a superhero like him, but my fate was not with me.
I still haven't awakened my powers yet. Awakening is rare, so I never expected much, but I had great dreams… dreams that broke the day my best friend Ali awakened his power and became an A-Rank superhero.
And the funniest thing?
He awakened while he was sleeping.
Some humans, and even some animals, awaken powers. We call them Aetherers. They are rare, and that's why the AGA — Aether Guardians Association — wants all awakened people to join them.
AGA is the main superhero association that controls all heroes in the Kolman Continent.
They are equal to the government — maybe even more powerful.
Oh, sorry. I forgot to introduce myself.
My name is Muhammad Orhan Abrar, just a normal 17-year-old boy who will be an adult next year.
Right now, I'm running because I'm late for school.
Scene — Street
"Help… help…!"
Huh? Who's screaming?
Some older boys were bullying a small kid.
"Hey! What are you doing? Stop bullying him, he's younger than you!"
"Ohhh, look! A hero came to save this loser! Hahaha!"
"Kid, we're not in a good mood. Go to school or you might get hurt."
"I said leave him alone, or I'll beat all four of you!"
And then we both got beaten up.
Expected, right?
Anyway, here is my school. And that's my life.
Scene- AGA Emergency Call Centre
"Hello! My child is missing! Please send a hero!"
"Calm down, ma'am. We will send someone. Tell us what happened."
"My child was playing in our garden and now he's gone! I searched the whole town! He's only five years old…" (crying)
"We understand, ma'am. A hero will be sent immediately."
This world is full of heroes and monsters.
But most heroes do normal work: saving cats from trees, helping old people, stopping thieves — anything to help society.
But Some Are Different,
AGA Management Team Contacted Flame King,
"Flame King, a city-level monster has appeared in Haoi City."
Five people are dead, 568 injured. Numbers are rising. Defeat him fast."
Flame King:
"On my way. I'm flying nearby. I'll reach in 30 seconds."
30 Seconds Later,
Far away, at Haoi City where monster attacked, a shadow swept across the city. Clouds parted to reveal Flame King, his flames dancing around him like a living inferno. He landed gracefully, scanning the area.
Without hesitation, he unleashed a massive AoE attack "Fire King", a wave of fire that engulfed the monster completely. The flames were controlled perfectly, consuming the creature while leaving nearby buildings, trees, and streets untouched. Within moments, the monster was reduced to ashes.
Later, news channels broadcast the story countrywide:
"Flame King saves Haoi City from a city-level monster!
Today AGA released top 10 ranking of Superheroes and for the first time in over a AGA's History, Flame King became No.1 Superhero and broke the record of that man.
Scene-After School
"Ughhh! Why does Sharmani ma'am always keep the class 30 minutes late?
Because of her I missed Flame King's interview! Damn it!"
On his way home, Orhan is angrily talking and the monster hears his voice.
A creepy voice:
"A child… his young limbs will taste great. Hehehe…"
An old woman lies on the road.
"Hey kid, help me… I fell because of a banana peel… ahh…"
"Oh, ok grandma, I'll help you."
"You're a nice boy…"
The moment Orhan offers his hand, she transforms — a monster with thick fur, four tails, a face like a mix of dog and monkey.
"Aaah! My hand! My hand!!!"
"Let me eat your hand first… let's see if you taste delicious…"
The monster bites off his hand, and Orhan falls unconscious from the pain.
"Kid! Hey kid, are you okay!?"
Orhan wakes up shocked — his hand is healed completely.
"Thank you for healing me…"
"Heal? I don't have healing powers. I'm a speed-type hero."
"Now that you're fine, I need to go. Don't walk alone in areas like this."
After that I went to the doctor and told him everything that had happened to me so far.
"So you're saying a monster actually ate your hand, but when you woke up it was completely healed, and the hero who saved you wasn't even a healer?" the doctor asked, clearly curious.
"…Yes," I said quietly, still trying to wrap my mind around everything that had happened.
The doctor nodded thoughtfully, as if piecing something together. "I see. Well, in that case, he needs to rest properly. Let him stay home, recover, and try not to stress. Playing some games or watching some movies might help him cope with the trauma."
"Okay, doctor," my Papa replied, giving me a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
Once we got home, I collapsed onto the couch, feeling both exhausted and oddly energized. My hand no longer hurt, but I could feel something different—something stirring within me.
"Papa… I don't know why, but I feel something changing inside my body," I admitted, a little hesitantly. A warmth spread across my arms, faint but persistent, like tiny sparks waiting to ignite.
He smiled gently. "Don't worry, Orhan. Your body is just adjusting to the power that's awakening. For now, just relax and enjoy something you like—maybe play your favorite game. Let your mind recover."
I nodded, trying to calm myself, but then my phone buzzed. It was Ali, my best friend from before—now an A-Rank hero. I stared at the screen for a moment, remembering how far he had gone while I was still discovering my own path. I hesitated, unsure if I was ready to talk.
END — Chapter 1